Delta Flight Diverted to Indianapolis After Reported Lightning Strike

 INDIANAPOLIS — A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Atlanta was forced to make an emergency landing at Indianapolis International Airport on Friday evening following a reported lightning strike.

Emergency Response Staged at Runway

A Delta Boeing 737 900(ER) departed from Chicago and was inbound to Atlanta when it diverted and made an emergency landing in Indianapolis.

As the aircraft approached the airport, emergency personnel were placed on high alert. Indianapolis Airport Fire, Decatur Township Fire and Plainfield Fire were all dispatched to stage near the runway ahead of the arrival.

Safe Landing and Inspection

The aircraft landed just a little bit after 5:38pm safely on runway 23L.

No injuries have been reported, and all passengers evacuated the plane without incident. Fire crews immediately began inspecting the aircraft.

According to initial reports from the scene, crews are reporting damage to one of the wings was reportedly caused by a lightning strike. Fire crews later reported a smell of smoke in two separate locations inside the plane.

The aircraft remains on the ground while officials conduct a full inspection of the damage.